Cali Grill or Nacoossees?

[samepoohdifferentday]

For 2 adults and 2 kids on DxDP
Also: 6 year old's birthday

 

[JMD]

You can't go wrong with either of these, both are excellent. But I prefer the California Grill.

 

[Bree]

Looking forward to see everyone's answers. We have ADR's for both.

 

[shaun&miranda]

You can't really go wrong with either - they are both outstanding restaurants!

However, I have voted for the Cali Grill, because you have children also looking to have a good time.

I think Narcoosee's is wonderful, but there is less for kids to look at. It is more romantic, with dimmer lighting and a different feel.

Cali Grill is also very romantic if you're at the right table, but is larger and livelier, with more views, more people to see and is a bit louder, still keeping adults in a sophisticated romantic mood! Kids can just stare at the castle or the show kitchen for the whole meal.

The meal we had at the Cali Grill just before Xmas is the best we have ever had at any restaurant, and the service was simply outstanding.

Do let us know which you choose!

Miranda
Narcoosees visits - 9 times
Cali Grill visits - 6 times including our wedding reception!

 

[shellybaxter]

I voted other because I wouldn't want to go to a signature restaurant for a child's birthday. I would go to a restaurant that is funner for kids - like Whispering Canyon, Sci Fi Dinner, Hoop Dee Doo Review, Biergarten, or one of the character meals

 

[winterman]

Wouldn't the six year old be happier at someplace like Chef Mickey's?

 

[samepoohdifferentday]

We have been to Chef Mickeys before and that was enough.

We want to go to a signature restaurant since we will have the Deluxe Plan.

Also: We will be at Magic Kingdom that day - so want something close by....

 

[shellybaxter]

Whispering Canyons and the Hoop Dee Doo Review are both close to the Magic Kingdom (just a boat ride away) and the HDDR is a 2 credit meal

 

[hmillerbarilla]

I agree with an earlier poster. Neither of these are good for a 6 year old birthday. We did both in September (without kids) and I prefer CG to Narcoossee's.

We also did the HDDMR in September. This is the place to use your 2 credits. It is fun, the food is good, and they will sing to your child in front of everyone. It really is a great time.

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

I don't agree with PPs. If you decided your child is mature enough for a signature restaurant then it's time for others to get past that and help the OP out in what is being asked!!!!



Either one is very good, are you going to both as you are on DxDP? Or do you have to pick one period? For me, they are similar enough that you would be happy with either one on a birthday.

I picked Narcoossee's for your birthday celebration mainly because the GF Bakery makes WONDERFUL birthday (or any celebration) cakes. You cannot pick up these cakes from the bakery, they can only be delivered to GF restaurants or GF rooms.

I am certain you won't be upset at your choice between these two, they're both great dining experiences imo.

 

[Castillo Mom]

I don't agree with PPs. If you decided your child is mature enough for a signature restaurant then it's time for others to get past that and help the OP out in what is being asked!!!!

I agree. Some children will actually eat food that doesn't always consist of mac 'n cheese, pizza and chicken nuggets. My boys are teens now but would've loved Narcoosee's at age 6.

To the OP - while I prefer Narcoossee's, you may want to try CG. It would be nice to get a table with a view of the fireworks. They pipe the music in from the show.

 

[dandave]

I'm voting for the Cali Grill, and yes, we and our children have eaten at both.
My boys now 14 and 12, have been going to WDW since the younger was in utero.
They say that some of the high points of our trips are eating at the nicer restaurants. They're very mature food-wise, and have gone as far as ordering the haggis in Scotland... even after I explained the dish and the taste.
You know your kid/s. At the CG, our waiter brought out an appy of goldfish for the kids as a fun gesture, even though we all ordered apps, mains, and desserts from the adult menu. My younger was 9 at the time.
Cali is more magical, while Narcooses is more romantic, IMHO.

 

[cnorth]

I agree that children don't always have to eat or want to eat "kid" foods. This is actually my problem when we go to WDW. My kids don't like those foods, and actually refuse to eat mac n cheese and chicken fingers. These are kids who are much happier with stuffed mushrooms, calamari, or artichokes than the kid foods. They would much rather eat at signature restaurants. I had to do extensive research to find places with enough choices in the kids meals that they would actually eat!

 

[GailT]

I have never ate at GC but I have at Narcoossee's, and I loved it and will go back again each trip, worth my 2 TC but even if I had to pay OOP I would of still thought it was worth it I just relized you are going to have a 6 yr olds BD I would suggest something that is more fun geared towards a 6 yr old, what about CP or something with characters?

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Both are great ! If picking one it would be CG

 

[cndnchicky]

I've been to both and they are both good but I would vote Cali Grill. Nothing beats the view...especially during wishes

 

[flipflop]

We did DDP last trip with our 3 year old triplets. We ate at both CG and Narcoosees. Usually CG is my favorite (even with Jiko), but I thought Narcoosees was the perfect dinner with our kids. We had great service at both but I felt like Narcoosees was more in tune with kids - it had mickey head straws and nemo cupcakes - little things like that. We sat next to the windows and the kids watched the lights change on the castle. For my husband and I, we enjoyed the lower lighting and ambiance. It was really the best of both worlds for us. The food was top notch. In fact it was the best meal we had the whole trip - we certainly would have been happy to pay OOP for it. I don't think you can go wrong with either but I give the edge to Narcoosees.

 

[jimmalru80]

California Grill.

 

[lady_hlh]

We haven't tried CG yet but I was very impressed with the service that my then 5 year old DD got at Narcosees. The waiter was so nice and very patient with her; he offered to have the kitchen make her a special dinner combining filet with macaroni and cheese when she couldn't make up her mind. Last year we left her at the Neverland club so that we could celebrate our anniversary. I almost wished that she had come along because we got to see the Electric Water Parade and the fireworks during our dinner.

 

[jeepgirl30]

Cali Grill. I've been to both and felt Narcoosse was not nearly as good for food or atmosphere. Also Narcoosees is a hike to get to it!